Overview:
Whiplash happens when your neck jerks back and forth quickly and violently, causing your spine to bend past its normal range of motion. This can injure the vertebrae of your cervical spine and/or the ligaments and muscles in your neck.
Causes:
Whiplash is commonly caused by rear-end collision motor vehicle accidents or by contact sports such as football.
Symptoms:
You may feel pain and stiffness in your neck, shoulders, back, and arms at the time of your injury, or it may begin days later.
Treatment Options:
Treatment options may include rest, physical therapy, medications and injections.